ICD-10 Code L76.34 – Postprocedural seroma of skin and subcutaneous tissue following other procedure (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L76.34 – Postprocedural seroma of skin and subcutaneous tissue following other procedure
What it is
L76.34 identifies a seroma that develops in the skin and subcutaneous tissue after a procedure. It refers to a localized postoperative fluid collection, not an infection or bleeding complication.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a soft, fluctuant swelling near the operative site and possible wound fullness or drainage. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for confirmation of a postoperative seroma.
When to use this code
Use L76.34 when the provider documents a seroma arising after a procedure involving skin or subcutaneous tissue, and the record links it to the procedure. Apply it when the complication is clearly postoperative and not described as an abscess, hematoma, or routine edema.
If the note says “seroma” without location or postoperative context, check documentation before coding. You should also confirm whether the seroma followed a different specified procedure, because that may affect code selection.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonprocedural fluid collections, simple swelling, or postoperative hematoma. Check documentation if the record instead describes infection, abscess, or another complication.
Coding tip
Link the seroma to the operative note and complication documentation before assigning L76.34.